Saturday, November 9, 2013

NPR Stories: Week of October 27, 2013


Listening to NPR exposes me to stories in the news round the world. This week we have dancing in the Kiev subway stations, the struggles of the Roma, and two stories from Kenya. One involves protests against rape, and the other involves reasoning behind one Kenyan tribe’s dominance in the sport of running.



Monday, October 28

World Story of the Day

'Just For Fun,' Lively Song And Dance In Kiev Metro Station



In a charming tradition, hundreds gather regularly to sing folk songs in an underground station in the Ukrainian capital. It's an older crowd — some shuffle, some move at a stately pace, and some are as lively as the day they learned those steps.

Story of the Day

Is Rebuilding Storm-Struck Coastlines Worth The Cost?

Since Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast a year ago, the federal government has spent millions to repair the devastation. But with a changing climate, more storms — and more damage — are likely on the way. A geologist argues it's time to rethink the strategy, but Long Beach locals are thankful for the rebuilding efforts.

Business Story of the Day

Moving In With Manufacturers, Amazon Delivers A New Approach

Amazon has been quietly making inroads into a new approach to retail, partnering with manufacturers to ship products directly from the warehouse to consumers, essentially taking out the middle man. The online retailing giant's move comes as it and its competitors experiment with faster delivery.

Tuesday, October 29

World Story of the Day

Brazil's Restrictions On Abortion May Get More Restrictive
Latin America has some of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in the world. Many countries in the region have a total ban. In Brazil, abortion is illegal, but there are some exceptions. A new bill is trying to roll those exceptions back.

Story of the Day

The Slow, Uneven Rebuilding After Superstorm Sandy



A year after the storm, some families in New York City's hardest-hit neighborhoods have managed to rebuild their homes and their lives. Some are waiting to find out more about new building codes and flood insurance rates. And others are ready to sell their flood-damaged properties and move on.

Business Story of the Day

Etsy's New Policy Means Some Items Are 'Handmade In Spirit'

Online marketplace Etsy is a hive for creative vendors selling handmade goods. But the site recently said it will allow sellers to outsource their manufacturing. Some vendors with growing businesses are delighted at this news; others feel Etsy is abandoning its small enterprises.

Wednesday, October 30

World Story of the Day

'They Want To Fit In': An Uphill Struggle For Greece's Roma



The Roma have lived in Europe for centuries, and face persecution and isolation. Many are illiterate and are more likely to be unemployed, impoverished and in poor health than other Europeans. They have been in the news after a blond, blue-eyed girl was taken from a Roma couple in Greece.

Story of the Day

How Video Games Are Getting Inside Your Head — And Wallet

Some parents say their children are addicted to video games, but it's no accident that kids can get lost in them. Game developers are studying gamers' actions as they play in order to make the games more compelling — and lucrative.

Business Story of the Day

Hotel Construction Booms Across U.S.

Hotels are finally having a good year. As the economy has slowly improved, more people are traveling. But more heads on pillows means higher prices — especially since new hotel construction has been on hold for years. Now developers are pushing hotel projects across the country.

Thursday, October 31

World Story of the Day

Ottoman Dream Come True: Train Links East And West In Istanbul

Istanbul inaugurated the world's first continent-connecting train line this week. It's not the Orient Express, but the subway does make real an idea first proposed in the mid-19th century.

Story of the Day

Texas' Voter ID Law Creates A Problem For Some Women

A strict voter ID law being tested in Texas is having unexpected consequences. It requires the name on voters' official ID to match with the name on their voter ID card. That's causing problems for some women, whose names changed because of marriage or divorce.

Business Story of the Day

What Happens When The Pace Of Startups Slows Down

New businesses normally create many of the new jobs in the American economy. But since the financial crisis, the pace of business formation has slowed sharply. Some economists worry that with fewer companies forming for 5 years now, that's going to stunt job growth for years more to come.

Friday, November 1

World Story of the Day

Protesters Call For Justice In Brutal Gang Rape In Kenya



The gang-rape of a 16-year-old schoolgirl has sparked outrage in the country and beyond. The attack was so violent it left the girl in a wheelchair. She identified several of her attackers, whom police captured but then released after their punishment: mowing the police station lawn.

Story of the Day

Economic, Political Volatility Cloud Housing Recovery

The housing market is working through the remnants of the financial crisis, and until recently the sector's recovery seemed to be on track. But recent drama in the national economy has left consumers reluctant to buy, experts say.

Business Story of the Day

Can Starbucks Do For Tea What It Has Done For Coffee?

Starbucks recently bought the Teavana chain and has opened its first tea bar in New York City. Some say the beverage giant's move into tea could hurt small tea shops. But others say they'll be in a good position to compete the way independent coffee shops compete with Starbucks.

Saturday, November 2

World Story of the Day

How One Kenyan Tribe Produces The World's Best Runners



The Kalenjin people dominate the world of long-distance running, and it seems there's no one secret. Their body structure, their training regimen and traditions that teach them to stoically withstand pain all appear to contribute to their incredible success.

Story of the Day

In A Church Built On Tradition, The Pope Likes Spontaneity

Seven months into his papacy, Pope Francis is shaking up the Catholic world, with outspoken interviews and cold calls to ordinary people. But some Catholic conservatives are deeply uncomfortable and worried that the Vatican has lost control of the papal message.


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